Malaysian Cobra Venom: A Potential Source of Anti-Cancer Therapeutic Agents

Abstract

Cancer is a deadly disease and there is an urgent need for the development of effective and safe therapeutic agents to treat it. Snake venom is a complex mixture of bioactive proteins that represents an attractive source of novel and naturally-derived anticancer agents. Malaysia is one of the world's most biodiverse countries and is home to various venomous snake species, including cobras. Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, and Ophiophagus hannah are three of the most common cobra species in Malaysia and are of medical importance. Over the past decades, snake venom has been identified as a potential source of therapeutic agents, including anti-cancer agents. This present review highlights the potential anticancer activity of the venom and purified venom protein of N. kaouthia, N. sumatrana, and O. hannah. In conclusion, this review highlights the important role of the venom from Malaysian cobras as an important resource that researchers can exploit to further investigate its potential in cancer treatment.

Keywords: Malaysian cobras; N. kaouthia; N. sumatrana; O. hannah; anticancer; snake venom.

Figure 1

Common and unique proteins identified from the venom of Naja kaouthia, Naja sumatrana, and Ophiophagus hannah. Abbreviations: 3FTx—three-finger toxin, PLA₂—phospholipase A₂, CRVP—cysteine-rich venom protein, SVMP—snake venom metalloproteinase, vNGF—venom nerve-growth factor, CVF—cobra venom factor, LAAO—L-amino acid oxidase, vPDE—venom phosphodiesterase, SVSP—snake venom serine protease, AChE—acetylcholinesterase, 5’NUC—5’-nucleotidase.